LJ Interviews #3: David

This month, in our May issue of our LumberJock eMag, I had the privilege of interviewing David.

1. how did you find LumberJocks and what was the key feature of the site that kept you coming back?

I found Lumberjocks doing a random Internet search one evening while passing some free time. I spent the rest of the evening exploring this wonderful woodworking treasure trove and I’ve been coming back ever since. The site is uniquely organized to allow, not only interaction between woodworkers, but also easy searching and posting of content.

Very early on, one of my first Lumberjock buddies was “Mot”. I truly enjoyed our interactions, especially the camaraderie that developed and the inspiration to start posting woodworking videos. I would add to that list the likes of Karson (in my mind “The Grand Master” of Lumberjocks!), Ms Debbie, WayneC, Todd Clippinger and Lee Jessberger. From the very beginning I found Lumberjocks to be a very welcoming place for a woodworker to hang out.

David’s first project posted…

2. tell us a brief history of how you got into woodworking

I’ve been interested in woodworking since I was a kid. My Eagle Scout project was a series of “ship quarterboards” for the bus stops in the small coastal town of Scituate which lies just south of Boston. The quaterboards were routed with the town name. The ends were detailed with a fan and the finish featured gilding the routed edges, fan details and the town name. I’ve been hooked on woodworking since and prefer to think about designing and building for myself rather than buying something pre-made.

3. your woodworking journey today involves so much more than “building” – tell us about your current goals and activities (blog, interviews, etc)

I am enjoying exploring areas of woodworking that I thought I would never investigate. My interaction with a fellow Lumberjock, Neil Lamens (Furnitology Productions), inspired me to pay more attention to the design process and to try my hand at veneering and marquetry.

My blog has played a pivotal role in my woodworking development. I made a lot of good woodworking friends via Lumberjocks and my blog. I recently had the chance of meeting some “cyber woodworking buddies” in Boston. It was a very rewarding experience!One of David’s Interviews…

4.what do you find to be the most challenging part of woodworking and what is the most rewarding?

The most challenging aspect of woodworking for me is to make myself step out of my comfort zone and take the risk to explore an unfamiliar technique or procedure. The most rewarding part of woodworking for me is the sense of calm and relaxation I get from working in the shop. Of course there is always that thrill when something works out really well!

5. what is your “most” favourite project created to date?

My favorite project to date was an art display bin built for some friends that own an art gallery. It was my first project built with a design exclusively developed and finalized with SketchUp. It was also my first project utilizing locally harvested native Oregon wild cherry.

6. I always like to hear about the inspirations behind people’s woodworking .. what inspires you?

7. where can people find you on the internet (website etc) besides here at LumberJocks.com?

My blog, “The Folding Rule”, can be found at http://foldingrule.blogspot.com/The Folding Rule is a photo / video journal of my woodworking activities from my small garage based shop.

8. what is the biggest tip you can give people starting their journey into woodworking?

Pay attention to the design process early in your exploration of woodworking. Design is as important as that favorite tool or awesome piece of special wood.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. I found that every Lumberjock that I contacted to be friendly and more helpful than I imagined. It is really amazing how some of these guys who are accomplished professionals interact with those of us with beginning and developing skills.

A project donated to an auction…

9. anything else you’d like to share with your fellow LumberJocks?

I think the sense of community found on the Lumberjocks website is a unique commodity. The willingness to share, inspire and encourage fellow Lumberjocks makes this the best place for woodworkers of every skill level. I personally want to thank every member of Lumberjocks because, one way or another, they have all helped me on my personal woodworking journey.

Thanks to David to take the time out of his very busy schedule to answers these questions.

Great Interview Ms Debbie, I have been following Davids blog longer than I have been a member of lumber jocks. He has a great blog and many of his past video’s contain information and projects I haven’t found on any other site. He is one of the reasons I found Lumber Jocks.